The second round of consultations on security and defense between the European Union and India took place in New Delhi. During the discussions, both parties exchanged views on various international and regional issues, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, developments in South Asia, and the Middle East.
On May 6, the consultations also focused on recent developments in security and defense policies. The EU provided updates on the progress of implementing the EU’s Strategic Compass and the Indo-Pacific Strategy, along with initiatives such as the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and new EU operations like the EUNAVFOR Aspides.
Additionally, there was a discussion on enhancing collaboration in existing areas of bilateral cooperation, such as cyber security, maritime security, and crisis management. Both sides expressed a commitment to leveraging opportunities presented by initiatives like the EU’s Enhancing Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA) project.
Furthermore, there was agreement on the importance of exploring new avenues for cooperation, including space security.
The consultations were jointly chaired by Joanneke Balfoort, Director for Security and Defence Policy at the European External Action Service, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) at India’s Ministry of Defence.
